Why did prosecutors decide to drop the case after two prior jury failures?

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Prosecutors Drop Sex Assault Case Against Harvey Weinstein After Two Mistrials

US prosecutors have moved to drop a sex assault case against disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein following two separate instances where juries were unable to reach a verdict. This decision effectively averts a fourth trial concerning the allegations made by actor Jessica Mann. Weinstein is already serving a prison sentence for other sex offenses and will remain incarcerated.
Case Background and Allegations

The case centered on claims by Jessica Mann that Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her in 2013, shortly after they met at a party. Mann alleged that Weinstein promised to advance her acting career as a lure. This was the third time Mann had testified against Weinstein in a trial.
Previous Trial Outcomes and Appeals

Prior legal proceedings against Weinstein resulted in a guilty verdict in 2020, which was later overturned due to issues with witness handling. Subsequently, a trial in 2025 concluded in a mistrial, reportedly stemming from a dispute within the jury room. Weinstein is currently serving a 16-year sentence in California for rape and is also appealing a conviction related to an assault on movie producer Miriam Haley.
Defense Perspective and Ongoing Incarceration

Weinstein's spokesman, Judah Engelmayer, expressed relief at the prosecution's decision, suggesting it was the appropriate outcome if prosecutors had initially presented the full scope of communications, including emails and private messages, between Weinstein and Mann to the grand jury. Despite the dropping of this specific case, Weinstein will continue to serve his existing sentences for other sex offenses, as he is already imprisoned for a California conviction and is appealing other judgments. The initial investigations in 2017 by The New Yorker and The New York Times brought to light numerous claims that were instrumental in igniting the wider MeToo movement.

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Why did prosecutors decide to drop the case after two prior jury failures?

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